The truth of the matter is that the Lynn civic society merely advises applicants, council planners and councillors in respect of listed building status, conservation areas and architectural styles, in order to maintain the ethos in the heritage area.

The civic society does not decide on plans and it is wrong to suggest otherwise.

The civic society strives to maintain our heritage ethos against the ravages of those developers, planners and councillors who seem to want nothing but a repeat of the 1960s (bulldoze and burn/concrete and glass), for the future of our town, with no feelings for the past.

In our democratic society, Lynn planning applications are advertised in the Lynn News and the public is invited to comment or object.

There are several independent readers who respond regularly, some of whom write to the columns of the Lynn News.

The civic society acts on behalf of its members to protect listed buildings and the sanctity of heritage areas and to maintain the architectural style in those areas where new building is being considered by discussing the problems with the planners.

The response of the civic society is nothing more than a united approach of like-minded residents, many of whom are well qualified in town planning and conservation matters.

It is not a sinister mafia seeking to take over planning matters but merely a group exercising their democratic right to have a say.

There are occasions when this democratic consultation results in the withdrawal or amendment of a particular planning proposal by the applicant.

This can in no way be interpreted as a rejection, a refusal or a decision on the part of the civic society.

Indeed, it is a help to the development control board in reducing the amount of contentious material with which it has to deal.

Your report quotes councillor Zipha Christopher as "disturbed "to hear that previous, more contemporary plans had been scrapped following consultation with Lynn Civic Society.

Perhaps councillor Christopher is being disingenuous as to the laid-down procedures for planning applications?

It is noted that the councillors decided that the 12 proposed parking spaces would be inadequate but more importantly, no-one raised the problems of the flood risk in the area.

Solution – construct the buildings on stilts and use the resulting void underneath for car parking. As for style, look no further than Allison Court, Stonegate Street and its predecessor, Three Crowns House on South Quay.

John E. Walker, Thoresby

College, Lynn